Woman dies in car crash after taking ‘happy’ selfie

Woman dies in car accident moments after taking a selfie and posting to Facebook.

A 32-year-old woman has died in a car accident only seconds after taking a selfie and updating her Facebook status. Courtney Sanford was on her way to work early Thursday morning when she collided with another vehicle after crossing the central reservation. Her vehicle then burst into flames.

Ms Sanford crashed her car moments after taking a selfie and updating Facebook

Ms Sanford’s Facebook status read: “The happy song makes me so HAPPY” at 8.32am. Police were called to the crash scene at 8.34am. Initially, High Point Police Department spokesperson Lt Chris Weisner and his team investigated other causes, namely the presence of alcohol or drugs, or whether Ms Sanford had been speeding. All proved negative.

Friends of the deceased contacted police this weekend and suggested her Facebook updates immediately preceded the accident, which occurred in the state of North Carolina.

Weisner said: “In a matter of seconds, a life was over just so she could notify some friends that she was happy. It’s really not worth it.”

John Wallace Thompson, the 73-year-old driver of the other vehicle involved, walked away unharmed.

Weisner added: “As sad as it is, it is a grim reminded for everyone… you must pay attention while you are in the car.”

Driver distraction accounts for around 10 per cent of all road accidents.

Car manufacturers are working hard to improve driver safety with better smartphone integration in their vehicles. Volvo has pledged to reduce the number of fatalities in its cars to zero by 2020. Other manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes Benz, have committed to zero tolerance targets through development of innovative new safety technology.

No related posts.

Comments

No related posts.

Be the first to know

Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to hear about exclusive competitions, the best deals and the latest news